EVA Air apologizes for requesting leave application from dead employee

Taipei, Oct. 16 (CNA) EVA Air has apologized to the family of a flight attendant surnamed Sun (孫), who died after falling ill at work, after an employee sent a message to the deceased worker's phone asking her to submit leave application documents.

The Taiwanese airline said in a written statement on Wednesday that the message requesting documentation for family care leave after her death was sent in error.

EVA Air said the mistake occurred because a staff member was "insufficiently familiar with their work duties" and added that it would conduct a review and make improvements.

The company expressed deep regret for causing distress to Sun's family and extended its "deepest apologies."

● EVA Air flight attendant's death under investigation

According to the Taoyuan City Office of Labor Inspection, 34-year-old Sun served on an EVA Air flight from Milan to Taoyuan on Sept. 24 and reported feeling unwell during the return journey.

Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport on Sept. 25, she sought medical treatment at a nearby clinic and then returned home, labor inspectors said.

Sun was admitted to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital on Sept. 26 as her condition worsened and was later transferred to China Medical University Hospital in Taichung on Oct. 8, where she died two days later.

The labor office said it had inspected the airline and found EVA Air's working hours and rest intervals in compliance with the Labor Standards Act.

Officials said the company had not refused Sun's leave requests but added that certain types of leave could affect performance evaluations.

They said investigators would question flight attendants and the purser on duty to determine whether Sun was denied medical help or discouraged from taking sick leave.

EVA Air said it was "deeply saddened" by Sun's death and has launched an internal investigation.